“Mr. Owens,” Adella said with a hoarse voice, then quickly cleared her throat. “What a surprise to see you this afternoon.”
He removed his hat. “I was driving the buggy by when I saw what fun you and the children were having. I confess, I wanted to be part of the game.”
Awkwardly, Adella chuckled and handed him the cloth. “Since I caught you, it’s your turn to wear the blindfold.”
“I will, but only if I can catch you in return.” His smile widened and his brown eyes twinkled.
Another round of giggles erupted amongst the girls—Lydia’s being the loudest. Adella knew it was not appropriate for the schoolteacher to be flirting with the mayor’s son in front of her students.
“Perhaps another time. Playtime is nearly over, Mr. Owens, and the children need to come in and finish their studies.”
Groans replaced the laughter and giggles she’d heard only moments before. With droopy expressions and hunched shoulders, the children slowly shuffled back into the schoolhouse.
“Mr. Owens, it was a delight seeing you again.” She turned, but he stopped her by grabbing her elbow.
“Miss St. James, before you go, I would like to ask if you’d agree to have supper with me tonight. Mother is preparing for a social, political gathering. Your father will be there, and I had hoped you would come with him. I would enjoy your company immensely.”
Adella really didn’t want to go to a political party with Wilfred, but since Albert invited her it would be different. Excitement pounded in her heart. “Indeed, I would be honored to join you, Mr. Owens.”
“Splendid.” He grinned and stepped back. “Until this evening then.” He bowed before placing the hat on, covering his blondish wavy hair.
Adella tried not to skip back into the school—even with a sore ankle—but she couldn’t help the giddiness expanding in her chest. Finally, after all these years of trading sly glances and light flirtations, Albert Owens was going to court her.
Chapter Two
After the terrible morning Gage Grayson had experienced so far, his day had been remarkably better. And the evening’s events seemed very encouraging. Thank goodness!
He reined his horse to a stop on the top of a knoll and partook of Snake River’s great view. Living in Virginia City all of his life, he’d only gotten one chance to view a section of this great river. Once while he and his brothers were on a cattle drive, they delivered the cattle just inside Wyoming and caught sight of the end of the Snake River.
Now... Gage sighed peacefully. Just watching the river as the sun made its descent was pure breathtaking. Orange and yellow hues lit up the mountains and rolling hills, causing a silvery glow to the water, making it appear like crystals filled the depths.
He could get used to this view. If he could purchase land here and start his own ranch, he’d be able to see this wonderful scenery every night. Sharing this with his wife would make it even more special.
Just as soon as he could find a wife, that is.
In Virginia City, he had a reputation for wooing the ladies, yet he hadn’t been ready for marriage and family. Now he was.
He’d hoped by settling in Lewiston, he’d be able to find a good woman, one he could easily fall in love with. His father’s good friend in Bonner County, Idaho, had a daughter that Gage had been interested in for years. Still, there was something stopping him from pursuing Violet. Maybe it was because their families had been too close. He wanted to meet a different kind of woman...a woman who would challenge him in some way and who would make him a better man.
Right away, his thoughts turned to Miss St. James. Now there was a woman who for the first time, he could not get along with. He’d never been one to argue and fling insults at a lady, but Miss. St. James had rubbed him wrong from the moment he set eyes on her, and especially from the moment she opened her impertinent mouth to speak. If only she’d been a little nicer...
Shaking his head from the memory, he urged his horse away from the river, toward town. He should have guessed Miss St. James was a schoolteacher, with her holier-than-thou attitude that she could do no wrong. Of course her appearance certainly didn’t give away her career choice. Then again, with her auburn hair in disarray and her face smudged with dirt, she looked more like a waif than anything. She wasn’t even that pretty, and every time she opened her mouth, her brusque words made her uglier.
Ma would certainly take a willow-switch to his hide if she ever discovered the way he’d spoken to the schoolteacher this morning. He honestly hadn’t seen her until she screamed since the sun had blocked his vision. He’d been running late for an important meeting with the mayor, and stopping to help the woman only made things worse.
As luck would have it, the mayor understood why Gage had been late for their meeting. Unfortunately, his luck had taken a sudden change for the worst when he realized the older man knew Miss St. James very well.
Gage groaned and rubbed his forehead. Because of the association between the mayor and schoolteacher, Gage now worried that his quest to obtain land in Lewiston, Idaho would be denied. If the duchess told the mayor about Gage’s rude behavior this morning, the mayor would definitely have second thoughts about him purchasing his land. Thankfully, though, the mayor had invited him to a meeting tonight, and Gage felt encouraged.
Although he didn’t want to think his trip to Lewiston had been a complete failure, doom settled in his chest. He prayed Miss St. James wouldn’t destroy his dream now.
Frustrated, he kicked his heels into the horse’s belly rode hard until reaching town. As he slowed to a trot, he took in the buildings on both sides of the street lining the main road. Most of the buildings were built from the same dark wood because of their similar colors and textures. The windows in each structure appeared to be the same size as well. Obviously, whoever constructed these buildings did not have a vision of giving variety to the town.
The streets were also lined with Dogwood oak trees, full in bloom. Pink, white, purple, and red blossoms from the trees’ branches were the only things in town that brought color to the atmosphere.
From what he’d been told, the Idaho Territorial Legislature decided to move the capital from Lewiston to Boise not too long ago. Even though Gage hadn’t been here a whole day, he’d caught heated conversations about this topic in stores from the angry townsfolk.
When he reached the mayor’s mansion, Gage stopped his horse and dismounted. A servant lad was nearby to take the horse to the stables. The mayor’s home was immaculate on the outside. The two-story structure had white columns holding up the second story wraparound porch. Even the roof appeared to have a wraparound porch—a widow’s walk—as impossible as it seemed.
He strode up the wide porch steps to the front door, which was opened. Several men lingered on the porch and just inside the house. Gage wasn’t certain if he should just enter or wait for a personal invite. Within moments, the mayor walked toward him from inside the house. A smile stretched across the man’s mouth.
“Mr. Grayson, I’m so happy you could come to my political meeting. I didn’t think you would after I issued the invite.”
Gage shook the man’s hand. “Of course I’d come. After all, if I plan on making Lewiston my home one day, I need to know what’s going on.”
“You are a wise man, Mr. Grayson.” The mayor nodded vigorously, although it didn’t move the thin lock of hair on his forehead. “Although I still haven’t decided who to sell my piece of land to.”
Doubt snuck into his chest. Had Miss St. James said something already to ruin his chances? He arched an eyebrow. “Do you mean to tell me there are other men interested?”
“Two others approached me this afternoon. I honestly never thought I would have this kind of response when I posted the advertisement in the newspapers.”
Although Gage couldn’t lay blame at Miss St. James’ feet, the worry he had felt earlier tightened so much Gage couldn’t breathe. Nevertheless, he had to act normal. He had to act as if this informat
ion didn’t bother him. After all, Gage was the best candidate...wasn’t he?
“Well, I’ll do whatever it takes to prove to you I’m the best rancher for that piece of land.” Gage grinned, although it was forced.
Mayor Owens clapped his hand on Gage’s shoulder. “You are certainly a good man, just like your father.”
Once again, surprise washed over him. “You know my father?”
“I met him once a few years past. Good man, that one. He’s practically made the Grayson family a household name.”
Gage wanted to laugh, but refrained. “Well, thank heavens my family has a good reputation.”
“Yes, they do.”
“Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to greet more guests.”
“Of course, Mayor.”
Feeling a little more at ease, Gage walked further into the room and leaned against the hearth. Gradually, more men spilled through the front door. Only a few women were here tonight, and probably only to accompany their husbands. Somehow, some way, Gage needed to become better friends with the mayor. How else could he prove his worth? Still, he worried the high-and-mighty Duchess would eventually ruin things.
The past several months, he’d been doing a lot of research of the lands around this area. Montana, the state where he was born and raised, was rich in soil and cattle, but Gage wanted to expand his interests. Not only did he want to manage a ranch of his own, he wanted to go to school to become a Veterinarian. From the research he’d done, Idaho had the best schools—and the land for ranching was pretty good, too. Gage could have the best of both worlds here.
Mayor Owens and a younger man who resembled the mayor quite a bit walked toward Gage. The other man was probably around Gage’s age, maybe a little younger. Definitely dressed like a city-boy with a narrowly tailored black suit, with the newest invention—a small bow tie—around his throat instead of a cravat. Older gentleman, like the mayor, still wore the cravats and frock coats.
“Mr. Grayson,” the mayor said as he walked up to Gage. “May I present my son, Albert.” He turned to the younger man. “Son, this is the rancher from Montana I told you about.”
Albert stretched forth his right hand in greeting. “Mr. Grayson, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Heartily, Gage shook the other man’s hand. “Likewise.”
“Albert,” the mayor said, turning toward his son, “Mr. Grayson helped our dear Miss St. James this morning.”
Albert’s eyes widened as he stared at Gage. “Adella St. James?”
Guilt engulfed Gage again. He really wished the mayor hadn’t said anything. Gage nodded. “Uh, yes. The schoolteacher.”
Albert’s smile widened and his expression softened. “She’s really a kind-hearted woman, isn’t she?”
Stunned, Gage opened his mouth to speak but nothing came through. Kind-hearted? That was certainly not the word he’d use. A stubborn know-it-all was more to his thinking. He quickly cleared his throat. “Of course she is.” Gage hoped they didn’t know he was lying through his teeth.
“So how did you two meet?” Albert asked.
Gage knew he couldn’t confess to being the horse’s back-end that had knocked her down this morning. Not until after the mayor had approved the purchase of the land Gage wanted. He clasped his hands behind him and rocked on the heels of his boots. May the Lord forgive him because he was going to stretch the truth a bit... “She had fallen down a small hill near the schoolhouse as I rode by, and I stopped to help her.”
Albert nodded. “That explains why she was limping earlier this afternoon.”
“Yes,” Gage continued. “She sprained her ankle.”
The mayor frowned. “I hope she’s doing better. Perhaps I’ll have my personal physician take a look at it while she’s here tonight.”
Gage’s aspirations plummeted and once again worry knotted his stomach. She was coming here? Oh, no! His day was turning for the worst again.
“I’ll have to ask her to see if she’ll allow it,” Albert told his father before switching his gaze to Gage. “She can be stubborn at times, and she absolutely loathes having to ask for help.” Albert rolled his eyes. “Independent women these days just don’t know when to let men help them.”
Gage nodded. “Exactly my thoughts. How are we supposed to be gallant if never given the chance?”
Albert chuckled and clapped his hand on Gage’s shoulder. “Well said.”
“Ah, look,” the mayor cut in, “Miss St. James and her father are here already.”
Gage anxiously swung his head toward the door. A lovely woman accompanied by an older gentleman walked inside the house, and Gage scanned past them to try and find Duchess. Albert made a hasty apology and quickly hurried toward the lovely lady.
Blinking in disbelief, Gage focused on the woman wearing a copper colored silk gown. She and the older man stopped and her hand dropped from his elbow. The puffy sleeves on her gown drooped low on her shoulders, displaying her cream-colored skin. As she turned to greet Albert, Gage’s attention was pulled to her bustle and the three-tier gown cascading evenly to the floor.
Landsakes, she was pretty! When did that happen? Earlier today her hair was nothing but ratted auburn locks, but tonight it looked so lustrous and silky. Ringlets hung perfectly down past her shoulders as a russet colored fashionable hat topped her head.
He squeezed his eyes closed before blinking them open. The lighting in this room must be playing tricks on his vision because this woman couldn’t possibly be Duchess. When he looked at her again, she was smiling at Albert, and her blue eyes were twinkling like gems. Obviously, the lady was smitten with the mayor’s son. But there was no way she could be the woman Gage met this morning.
Albert Owens said something to her and she nodded, slipping her hand around his elbow. The older gentleman beside her turned and walked into the other room filled with men. The mayor’s son escorted the woman toward Gage, and his heart hammered faster. Curious to why this particular organ in his chest would react in such a way, he pushed his shoulders back and lifted his chin, determined not to act any differently than he had this morning. On second thought, he would have to act a little different unless he wanted people to know how rude he’d been.
When Miss St. James’ eyes rested on him, her expression quickly changed. The sparkle of light that had been in her orbs moments ago, extinguished quickly. Ahhh...Duchess is back. Now he could see the woman he’d conversed with earlier today in the beauty standing before him now.
“I’m sure you remember Mr. Grayson from this morning,” Albert began.
By her arched eyebrows and tight lips, Gage realized she had indeed remembered him.
“Mr. Grayson. What a surprise it is to see you here.” Although her words were polite, there was still a rough edge to her tone.
Gage smiled. “I was thinking the same, Miss St. James. I didn’t know you were a political kind of woman.”
“I’m not, but I was invited to attend alongside my father—” she turned her eyes to Albert and they lit up again— “and I just couldn’t refuse the offer.”
Gage almost snorted a laugh and refrained from rolling his eyes. She was definitely trying to flirt with the other man. Well, at least the mayor’s son was someone who didn’t upset her at every turn.
She gave a polite nod to the mayor. “What a pleasure it is to see you again, Mayor Owens.”
Chuckling, he took her gloved hand and squeezed. “It’s always delightful to see you, Miss St. James. I hope you’ll excuse me, but I need to greet some of my other guests.”
She smiled and nodded.
Gage shifted as he studied her. Strange how different she acted around these other men. “I must say, Miss St. James, that you are walking better than you had this morning. Can I assume the swelling has gone down?”
She peered at Gage through narrowed eyes. “Yes. I feel much better. Thank you for inquiring about my welfare.” She cocked her head stubbornly. “Mr. Grayson, might I inquire why you are here tonight?”
/>
“The mayor invited me.”
“You know Albert’s father?”
Gage hesitated. The way she’d said that made him think she was trying to upset him that she was with the mayor’s son. “The meeting I was running late to this morning was with Mayor Owens.”
Albert tapped his hand gently on Miss St. James’ arm. “Mr. Grayson is in our area to buy land. He’s a rancher.”
Nodding, Gage added, “And I would also like to further my education in Veterinary studies. I had taken a few classes in Montana, but I’d heard Idaho has really good schools.”
“You are from Montana?” she questioned.
“Yes. Virginia City, to be exact.”
For a brief moment, her eyes widened and her face lost a little color, but before he could wonder about it, she cleared her throat and smiled. “Well, I sincerely hope you enjoy Idaho.”
“So far I have, Miss St. James. Most everyone has made me feel welcomed. I just pray the mayor will allow me to purchase some of his land here.”
Albert chuckled. “I don’t see why my father wouldn’t. Cattle ranches are far and few between around these parts.”
“True, but your father told me there are other ranchers interested in the same plot of land that I’m after.” Gage shrugged. “I hope to impress your father so he’ll allow me to stay.”
“Mr. Grayson, I’m sure you are an impressive man, indeed,” Miss St. James said, her tone dripping with entirely too much sweetness.
Before he could answer, Albert tapped Miss St. James’ hand. “Oh, he is. My father has met Mr. Grayson’s father. The Grayson name is very respectable around these parts.”
She arched a quizzical eyebrow toward Gage. “You don’t say.”
He shrugged and trying to be comical said, “Actually I didn’t say it. Mr. Owens did.”
She rolled her eyes, turning her attention to the crowd of people. “Mr. Owens, I think your father has invited the whole county. I haven’t seen this many men at one time, except of course during the Dogwood Festival.”
Reach for Heaven Page 3
